Once the backbone of Britain’s industrial strength, precision engineers were among the largest and most respected groups of skilled employees in the country. Their expertise was in demand worldwide, and they formed the foundation of one of the UK’s most important industries.
Today, however, their numbers have declined so dramatically that if they were an animal species, they would be listed as endangered.
The Decline of Precision Engineering
Over the past 25 years, the UK has seen a steady drop in the number of precision engineers. With the overall decline of engineering firms in the country, many skilled workers have left the industry altogether, taking their expertise with them. Once those skills are lost, they rarely return.
Even more concerning is the lack of new entrants into the field. Fewer school leavers are choosing engineering as a career path, and the reasons are clear:
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Perception of the industry: Engineering is often seen as dirty, physically demanding, and far from glamorous.
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Better pay elsewhere: Entry-level pay in other sectors, such as retail or office work, can be higher and more immediately rewarding.
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Lengthy training: Precision engineering often requires six to seven years of training before reaching full proficiency.
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Decline of apprenticeships: Once the primary route into the profession, apprenticeships are now far less common.
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Shifting education priorities: Schools have become reluctant to teach subjects like metalwork, leaving young people less exposed to engineering as a career option.
Instead of investing years to master a trade, many young people opt for quick-entry jobs in supermarkets or offices roles that may lack long-term prospects but provide immediate income and comfort.
Reliance on Overseas Talent
The shortage of skilled engineers has forced many UK companies to look abroad for talent. In recent years, there has been a significant influx of skilled workers from Eastern European countries such as Poland and the Baltic states. While these professionals are filling vital gaps in the workforce, the reliance on foreign labor raises concerns about the sustainability of Britain’s engineering sector.
A Company Bucking the Trend
Not all hope is lost. Some firms continue to champion the value of highly skilled, time-served engineers. One example is Machined Precision Components Ltd, based in Watton, Norfolk.
According to director David Isbell:
“Because our engineers have such a wealth of experience in all areas of precision engineering, we can provide the customer with the highest quality product at all times. Yet these same skills ensure that the prices are kept very competitive, and the components are produced in the quickest time possible. We can give a superb service in all areas, but we could not do this without our highly trained precision engineers.”
All of their engineers have completed full apprenticeships and bring an average of over 20 years of experience to the table. Their expertise allows the company to deliver high-quality, competitively priced components with speed and reliability.
The Future of Precision Engineering
While the number of UK precision engineers has diminished, those still working in the sector continue to provide the same world-class quality and dedication as their predecessors. The challenge now lies in attracting a new generation of talent to keep the industry alive.
If more businesses, schools, and policymakers recognize the critical importance of precision engineering, perhaps the profession will shift from being “endangered” to thriving once again.
